COURSE CADDIES :: Shady Acres :: Hole 8 :: PAR 3


Welcome to the Course Caddy, a look at each and every hole in Golden Tee 2014. Over the next few months, we will spend each day looking at a different design, starting with Hole 1 on the first course and ending with the final hole on the final design.

We want—no, NEED—your help in this process!

How do you play a particular design? Share your thoughts on strategy and YouTube uploads in the comment section. Your feedback is integral in the complete understanding of the design.

All holes will then be available for reference on the Course Caddy page—a bookmark must for the entire encyclopedia! Enjoy.

 

Shady Acres Hole No. 8


It’s the unassuming holes that can get you, the quiet killers that can derail momentum with a lost stroke. It won’t completely destroy a round, but it can be the moment that starts the undoing.

There are no hazards on Shady No. 8, just a par-3 with an enormous sand trap surrounding all sides of the green. There's nothing wild here. But given the distance, the slope of the green and the limited landing area, birdie is not a given.

Your strategy here will depend on a few factors, some of which are within your control. What clubs and balls you use are critical to this strategy. This will dictate the loft your shot and also your ability to spin the ball.

Of course, the distance on the shot and the wind—especially the wind—will influence how you attack this hole. Backspin, in most instances, can be too much and your ball is likely to spin off.  Bite is certainly the most likely option, and it will provide just the right amount of sit (hopefully) this shot requires.

You can also attack this shot without spin, although this is a bit more risky. If the wind is strong enough in your face, however, you can approach the shot off the tee with nothing at all. There’s the risk of going too far—or coming up short if you try to finesse the shot—but the potential here as well.

 

Regardless of what your approach might be, don’t be too aggressive. Play for a birdie and be sure to save your bold efforts for another hole. A two here will work just fine.

How do you play it?